Especially for Corey...

 ....because he wanted photos. I didn't take these; a talented photography student called James did. On Friday, the school held a Kyrgyz Day, which involved a trip to the National Museum, a traditional Kyrgyz meal, and Kyrgyz dancing and wrestling demonstrations. It was a fascinating day for me, as a know-nothing. When we were having a break at the museum, we happened to see the changing of the guard, an incredibly formalised and antique process. The photos below give you an idea of it. Note the phenomenal mountains in the background - that's the south of the city. On the far side of the road is Ala-too Square, which is a grandiose monument to town planning and where many political events take place.